HYRE CONSCIOUSNESS

WAY OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR- BUDOKON YOGA

2011-09-13T05:21:00.005-04:00

HEALTH AND FITNESS OCTOBER ISSUE FEATURING: Creator and founder of Budokon, Cameron Shayne. Budokon Yoga moves by Shaundra Hyre. Budokon is a beautiful blend of Martial Arts and Yoga created by celebrity trainer to the stars and Hollywoods elite bodies, Cameron Shayne.

Budokon Yoga is a great way to challenge yourself if you are looking to take your yoga to the next level as it can be sweat dripping, fat melting and a really physically challenging session as it encourages you to use every muscle in your body, so no slacking off in downward dog! It is also great for beginners who are looking to create some flexibility and core strength. Budokon is great because it can be modified or intensified to suit everyones needs.

I have been practicing Budokon for a year now. I am a Certified Budokon Yoga instructor.

To read more on the art of Budokon and to learn these challenging Budokon moves that will melt your fat and tone your body pick up the October issue of Health & Fitness or check out a Budokon class near you at Budokonuk.com with Sensei Ryan or at Sweatshopyoga with Sensei Kim.

Running in Richmond Park

2011-03-16T18:27:00.014-04:00

This is my ballet homage to Billy Elliot, just like a Black Swan! Helloo...where is my tutu when i need one? Never leave home running without it!!! LOL! The building that i am so graciously leaping over in the photo is the Royal Ballet School where Billy Elliot was filmed.

Luke, who is a nature lover and works for Sir David Attenborough is stretching it out before our run along the gorgeous meadows of Richmond Park.

Ahhh! I see Andy Goldsworthy has been busy doing some installations in Richmond!! LOL!

Luke's gracious headstand, well more like forehead stand, amongst the trees! :)

The birds were busy chattering away and unfortunately left not one trace of a feather for me.

Is that a tree frog doing frog pose??? Oh no!!! Its Shaundra practicing her Crow!!!

Ahhh.....I dont know, I think i make a better monkey!!!

Bye for now! Until my next adventure, go running in your local park and hug a tree!

xoxox

Shaundra

Health and Fitness UK April

2011-03-08T16:06:00.016-05:00

Check out my Yoga moves, Running story and Beauty pics.........

Just out in the April issue of Health and Fitness with Denise Van Outen on the cover.

SHOW ME YOUR ASANA!!!!!

Now that was some nice asana's! Check out more in the full issue.

BEAUTY TIPS

CATCH SOME INSPIRATION WITH MY RUNNING STORY FOR THE LONDON MARATHON

Pick up the latest issue of Health and Fitness to get some great styling ideas for looking great while training hard by Kellie Daggett. Inpirational photographs by Ian Derry. Gorgeous makeup by Sarah- Jane Froom for Bare Escentuals and with hot moves by your truely....

xoxo

Shaundra

Godess of Change

2011-02-27T16:33:00.006-05:00

Oya, the Godess of the winds of change has been upon my door step for quite some time and still resides upon my feet. She and i have had an interesting relationship to say the least!

I shall begin slowly to fill you in on the adventures, changes and updates this powerful Godess has brought into my life since the last time i made a post! Which was ages ago!

I look forward to swirling the winds of changes upon these pages.

xoxo

Shaundra

"Big Top Baby".......Accomplished!

2010-06-14T10:53:00.004-04:00

OMG!!! That was amazing!!!! But actually a lot scarier then i thought it would be! Just climbing up that ladder to the top was enough to get my heart racing and make me piss my pants!

But i did it...and as you can see, screaming the whole way through! I promise, screaming makes it easier! The teachers were really thorough and the whole energy of the class was really encouraging and supportive. There were people who were trying their skills out on the trapeze that were from around the ages of 12 yrs old - 45 years old. So, really, its perfect for everyone who is crazy enough to do it. I met some really nice people. I think that everyone should try flying through the air once in their life.!

I loved it so much, I'll probably be going back to perfect my skills!

Here is the video of me being handed off, like they really do it in the circus....minus the screaming!!! LOL!

Enjoy!

Shaundra

Fitness Challenge...........Big Top Baby!!!

2010-06-09T11:39:00.000-04:00

Who hasn't dreamt of being in the circus as a kid? If you haven't then you were missing out on some amazing childhood fantasy's! Now, I'm going to make my fantasy become a slight reality when i fly through the air on the magic trapeze! Come join me in the fun if you thing you can hang!!!!

WHAT: FLYING TRAPEZE CLASS

WHERE: FLYING TRAPEZE SCHOOL, RAVENSCOURT PARK, HAMMERSMITH

WHEN: 11AM SATURDAY JUNE 12TH

HOW MUCH: 22

Runners World UK Cover- July 2010 issue

2010-06-09T10:52:00.000-04:00

Run out to grab your July issue of Runners World UK with yours truly on the cover! Woohoo!

Crazy Dr. Ozzy!

2010-06-08T12:23:00.009-04:00

The Sunday Times Magazine UK has asked Ozzy Osbourne to be their new health advise columnist. That's right lady's and gents. You will be getting advise from a hard core rock n rolla who has taken every drug under the sun, drank enough alcohol to kill a large village, lived through plane crashes and mental break downs but is now on the bends. Now, clean and sober. Dr. Ozzy has lived through enough and has seen enough doctors that he can just about certify to be a Dr. himself.

Click here to read the hilariously written article by Dr. Ozzy himself. I look forward to reading his articles as i know they will be nothing short of raw humor grounded in good advise and expert experience. Keep on rockin Doc!

Fitness Challenge...........Accomplished!

2010-06-08T09:55:00.001-04:00

Me (in the middle) with all the Body Combat instructors after our 3 hour Marathon! Whoo hoo!

What a great event and so much fun! It was a bit like going to a techno dance club! LOL! The lights were dimmed with colors of red and orange with pumping techno music to keep you burning through those punches and kicks, screaming for more! I did really well, and didn't stop but to have a quick sip of water. There was one chick in front of me who was totally bouncing off the walls and going for it super hard the whole 3 hours..... i was afraid that she took speed and was going to have a heart attack! LOL!
Thank God she didn't, i guess she was just really, really, amped!
I burned 2,349 calories in the 3 hour Body Combat Marathon! Not bad for a Saturday morning work out but boy was i sore the next day! I could barely move my arms to drink my tea in the morning! So i took my over worked Body Combat ass to the Porchester Spa to do some steam and sauna relaxation time. Ahhh, sweet relief! Be sure to check out a Body Combat class near you to get your fill of Karate Kid excitement!

Fitness Challenge

2010-06-03T15:47:00.001-04:00

Ok everyone. So, I've decided to do at least one fitness challenge a month. Something I've never done before, and blog about it. The options are endless and sooo exciting to think about!!! I cant wait to begin! Please feel free to comment and give me suggestions or challenges that you think would be fun and intriguing. I promise you, i will do it! Fire away!!!

And now, my first Fitness Challenge will be............

What?

Charity Body Combat Marathon- Move over Jackie Chan and get ready to eat chop suey! This is a 3hour Body Combat Marathon session! Body Combat is a work out that combines powerhouse moves and stances developed from a range of self-defence disciplines including Karate, Kickboxing, Tai Chi and Tae Kwondo, in a take no prisoners, adrenaline-pumping routine.
The Body Combat Marathon will be done in aid for the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity that helps provide inspirational and world class health care to hundreds of kids in need every day.

When? Saturday June 5th 2010 from 10am-1pm

Where? Porchester Hall, Queensway, London, W2

There is still time to join me and get in on the Body Combat Marathon madness! Get your tickets here and let the fun begin!

Q & A with David Blakeley

2010-05-23T08:24:00.002-04:00

David Blakeley is a down to earth, gorgeous, young strapping lad from Nuneaton England. But dont let those good looks fool you. He's more than just a pretty face. David was in the British Military for 10 years, is an accomplished actor, model and athlete. I met David while we were working together on set and we began talking about extreme sports and fitness. I was so fascinated with his life story I just had to share it all with you.

Q: David, how did you get into modelling from the military?

A: I served in the British Army for 10 years. I was a Captain in The Parachute Regiment and served in The pathfinders (elite reconnaisance soldiers). I was injured in the Iraq war in 2003 and likely to be deskbound thereafter which prompted a rethink on where my life was going!
  After periods of progression and regression it became clear that I needed serious shoulder surgery. I was put on a 12 month waiting list which after hospital administrative errors became 18 months. I decided to sell my car and borrow some money to pay £10,000 to have multiple shoulder operations-thus gaining control of my life. I would no longer let anyone or any organisation control my life.
  During my physical rehabilitation I became much closer to my family (having previously been away with the military for years). They supported me enormously. My youngest sister Lisa worked in fashion and thus I was exposed to people working in the creative industries - something which formerly I had not understood. Their passion and spirit was akin to the "espirit de corps" that had originally drawn me to join the elite Parachute Regiment.
  My mother did amateur dramatics and I went along with her to watch line reading. The group an actor short so they asked me to read a few scenes with them. I enjoyed it enormously! Before I knew it I enrolled in as many acting courses as I could and would finish my now Army desk job asap each day to get into London to train as an actor.
   I was signed by my first acting agent a week before I left the Army. Quickly I realised how scarce film and tv drama auditions were. I began "booking" alot of tv commercials, supposedly more than any other unknown actor or model in the UK. An old friend from school, his wife worked in an Advertising Agency and cast me in a modelling campaign for a British luggage company. I then got picked up by a modelling agency. So far in 2010 I have been one of the highest earning models at my agency.

Q: What possessed you to join the military?

A: I was academically quite bright at school and took a couple of exams one year early.
I became very bored of academic education and spending 8 hours in a classroom each day.
I had no drive to read any subjects or study at university. Students at my school considered you to be gay if you studied drama or the arts (which was not acceptable at the time ) so most guys stayed away from the arts. Which is an enormous shame. I wanted to work, to do. So, I found myself in the Army.

Q: What was your job in the military?

A: I was an officer, so my job was as a leader and operational planner. My first post was as a platoon commander. The most exciting job I did was serve in The Pathfinders - elite small teams of soldiers who can deploy by freefall parachute behind enemy lines. I was shot through my trousers during an ambush behind enemy lines in Iraq (see letter from His Royal Highness Prince Charles attached - the "medicine" he refers to is a bottle of whisky he sent me from his personal vat).

Wow! Thats incredable! It must have been so scary to be in that situation. We are all grateful for your honorable service to England and those lucky trousers that saved your life! What a thoughtful man His Royal Highness Prince Charles is to send you some of his own personal "medicine" to help you get well!

Q: Being a Pathfinder, what is it like jumping out of a plane?

A: Not a normal or natural experience. A good example of "mind over matter". When you have more experience and do multiple training jumps in one day you can become desensitised to it - which is often when accidents tend to happen. I had to pull my reserve parachute twice. On a night HAHO (High Altitude High Opening) training jump prior to the Iraq war we had to cover 30 miles "under canopy" and got seperated as a Patrol over the north sea and so landed scattered across English villages!

Im sure some of the ladies wouldnt have minded you turning up on their doorstep in their lonely English villages!

You are also an accomplished athlete and have finished the Marathon Des Sables. Not just any old Marathon might i remind you! Marathon Des Sables is a 6 day 151 mile (243km) endurance race across the Sahara Desert in Morocco, Africa. Not a race for the weak and feeble!

Q: What was it like running the Marathon Des Sables?

A: A fantastic experience! Its great that you can only enter as a team, it enforces camaraderie. No cell phones, computers or distractions. It's just you, your running shoes and a backpack against nature - and the clock! You need to be focused, yet at the same time I found it very mind clearing.

Q: What a huge accomplishment! What was the most challenging thing about the race?

A: Waking up on a cold desert morning very stiff, knowing its "double marathon" day!

Q: Was there ever a point where you wanted to give up?

A: Never. If failure is an option in your head, you will fail. If your head is in no doubt that you will finish this race even if its the last thing you ever do and all race marshalls have gone home, you will finish.

Q: How did you keep going on those long hot days?

A: Preparation and administration - eg looking after your feet helps alot. I was used to carrying heavy loads across hills from being in The Parachute Regiment. Taking shorter steps can make you less likely to go over on an ankle or twist a knee. The body likes rythmn so I always try to get into a comfortable pace and then relax into it.

Q: What was the best thing you experienced during the marathon?

A: The best thing was having a body scrub after the race in a sauna for locals. It was the freshest and cleanest Ive ever felt! That feeling was worth 156 miles of blood, sweat and a few tears!

Q: What is your next challenge?

A: It has to be something different, something unlike anything else I have done before. I read an article in which Francis Ford Copolla was asked why he keeps making films after the enormous success of his films like the Godfather in 1972 - what keeps him driven nearly 40 years later. His answer was that whilst life is about your family and close friends, its the challenge of learning and doing something new that keeps you going and alive. I beleive this.

Q: Can you give the readers some advise or fitness tips youve learned over the years?

A: Train hard, fight easy. Keep your workouts as functional as possible. Your legs and core are much stronger than your arms - so try and incorporate them into your routines as much as possible. You cannot get fitter, stronger, faster, leaner, bigger (whatever you want to achieve), during one training session. This only happens during your rest and recovery. Thus your rest and nutrition is the most important part and your training only stimulates this part. Get plenty of rest, drink lots of water and eat well. Dieting is not eating less. Diet is eating the right amount of the right types of food and nutrients. This takes much more effort and discipline that reducing what you eat.

Well..........there you have it! Words from a very wise and inspiring man who has been through hell and back to tell the story!

Comment and let me know if you've enjoyed this Interview and would like to read more interviews from inspiring people around the world.

Running Machine Powered by Veggies

2010-05-23T04:11:00.000-04:00

Click here on the great NY Times article to read about Ultra Marathoner Scott Jurek . How he fuels his extremely long runs and keeps his body fit and healthy with the magic power of Veggies!

Billabong Bikini Design Contest

2010-05-22T11:51:00.000-04:00

Design a hot little bikini for Big Wave pro surfer Maya Gabeira. If you've got what it takes. You may be chosen for the Grand Prize Design Award and see your hot little number produced for Billabong's spring collection and get to jet off to Hawaii on a 3 day surf trip with Maya Gabeira herself!
Or you could win the Peoples Choice Award and get to go crazy on a $350 Billlabong shopping spree!
Better get those creative juices flowin if you want to ride the waves in Hawaii with Maya!
Good Luck!

Want the Body of an Olympian?

2010-05-17T19:13:00.000-04:00

Five time Olympian Dara Torres isn't just ripping it up in the pool these days. She's ripping up pages in her new book entitled Gold Medal Fitness: A Revolutionary 5- week program. The book includes an eating plan, exercise routine and a stretching program called Ki-Hara which Torres accredits to her killer body composition of lengthening her muscles and also improving her pool performance. If this book can do 1/3 for me and you as it has done for this dream machine............sign me up! I'm ordering my copy now! Click here to order yours on Amazon.

Sweaty Betty

2010-05-17T18:39:00.001-04:00

I just discovered a great fitness and active wear line based here in the U.K called Sweaty Betty. Really great use of colors, lines, shapes and fabrics. It feels very Addidas by Stella McCartney inspired, and hey! Lets face it, if we are going to design fitness wear, Stella inspires us all! Click here on the link to check em out.

Cover Girl

2010-05-16T05:47:00.000-04:00

Wooohooo!Its official!!!! I am on the cover of Runners World South Africa for the June issue!!! Just in time for World Cup! It was such a pleasure to work with everyone from Runners World on this job and it is an honor to be chosen to grace the cover! Thanks guys!

London Calling!

2010-05-16T05:34:00.000-04:00

How lucky am I???? I am in London modeling and i get to run here (above) in Hyde Park every morning!
Wow! Its one of the best ways to start off your day, sweating it out in one of the most gorgeous parks while all of the big red double decker busses chug along the streets as i run past famous statues and monuments.
Yes, i am blessed!

LowLuv by Erin Wasson

2010-04-29T15:20:00.002-04:00

Erin Wasson just launched her new jewelry wear line called LowLuv. Click here to find store locations where you can "don" some of this rock 'n' roll bling!

Oh Miss Moss!

2010-04-29T14:31:00.000-04:00

Kate Moss and Mario Testino are collaborating on a photographic book to be published by Taschen entitled "Kate Moss by Mario Testino". The book will be released this summer as a 128-page boxed hardcover book and limited to 1,500 signed copies.

Picture of the Day!!!

2010-04-29T14:15:00.000-04:00

What an amazing picture! Doesnt this just make you smile? There is so much life and energy in it! Photographer Tim Flach is coming out with a new book published by Abrams. Im so excited to see all the funny creatures and the way Tim has captured them, he is super talented and it looks like we will be in for a treat! Click here to pre-order your copy.

Model Whisperer

2010-04-29T09:34:00.000-04:00

Interesting article in the NY Times about the trainer to Victorias Secret and Sports Illustrated Supermodels. Click here for the link to read more.

Above and Beyond with North Circular

2010-04-27T19:35:00.001-04:00

Check out this amazing new magazine from the U.K. called Above. It is an Eco conscious, glossy, earthy and sexy new mag with a bunch of earth warriors involved. Nicolas Rachline is the Editor-in-Chief and Summer Rayne Oakes is the Editor-at-Large.

Also, one of the feature stories in the Winter 09 issue is about North Circular. A company created by my girlfriend Katherine Poulton, Lily Cole, Alice Ashby and Isobel Davies. They are saving sheep and using their wool to make beautiful designs hand knit by grannies. Click here for the link to read more.

If you want to hear it the way it is with no frills and no BS then read the article with Peter Beard. Genius! He is a creature of his own kind and is forever close to my heart. Read more here.

Enjoy!

Shaundra

Health is Everything

2010-04-27T16:20:00.002-04:00

I'm on day 2 of a cold (ugh!) that has finally incubated in me and already starting to feel a bit better. Thanks to sweating it out in the gym and the "magic formula"..........Quantum Cold & Flu Formula. Its an amazing all herbal tincture that is super potent and will kick any colds ass if you fight it with this magic weapon in enough time. Here is the link to the product. Check out the other all natural formulas they have as well. Its a great company.
Today more than ever, I am grateful for my health. It really makes me realize how blessed i am and if we don't have our health.......we ain't got nothin' baby! Cheers to your health! xo Shaundra

LCD Soundsystem

2010-04-26T23:45:00.000-04:00

I love working out at the gym to LCD Soundsystem. Here is their latest video shot and directed by the great Spike Jonze entitled "Drunk Girls" LOL!

Fitness Babe!

2010-04-26T23:25:00.003-04:00

Gorgeous Fitness Fashion story in French Elle with Alessandra Ambrosio. I would love to know her secrets about keeping fit. She just had a baby! Amazing! You go girl! xo Shaundra

The Cost of Zen

2010-04-26T15:00:00.000-04:00

Great article in the NY Times about how expensive Yoga is these days and how some studios are lowering their costs of classes and even doing suggested donations for classes. How much are you willing to spend on Zen? Click on NY Times to read the full article and to also find out where some of these suggested donation classes are.

Who's your favorite hottie?

2010-04-25T18:29:00.004-04:00

H&M Spring/Summer 2010 Swim wear Campaign is out! Featuring: Erin Wasson, Sasha Pivovarova, Lara Stone, Daria Werbowy, and Julia Stegner. Who is your favorite model?

Its gettin Hot in here!

2010-04-25T17:44:00.005-04:00

Smokin' hot editorial i found on Models.com of Natasha Poly shot by Mario Sorrenti. Total inspiration to get to the gym and start working out for Bikini season if you haven't been busting a move yet! I don't know about you but i am definitely rockin' my thigh high socks and sneaks to the beach! -xo Shaundra

Havasupai Indians win back their blood

2010-04-23T09:07:00.002-04:00

I read this moving article in New York Times. If you don't have time to read the whole story then please watch this quick video link. People are still taking from the Native Americans under guise of doing something "good". This is happening all over the world with tribes. It breaks my heart as we need to do everything we can to help these tribes thrive and survive. We can learn so much from these people and their sacred ways. My heart and prayers go out to the Havasupai who have suffered from this "research".

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-22T15:21:00.006-04:00

In honor of Earth Day I thought I would post this great article in ELLE written by Angela Lindvall on Eco friendly living. Not only is she a beauty but a great writer as well! We have a voice and a choice. Lets start educating ourselves to make better decisions to help sustain Mother Earth.

Here's the link to the article - enjoy!

Pralinato Ice Cream

2010-04-22T10:56:00.000-04:00

Not a bad life! Shooting on the beach in Cape Town in a bikini all day, eating ice cream! Mmmmm. Life is good! Check out this commercial i shot recently for Pralinato Ice Cream. Shot on film.....something rare these days!

Shape It Up!

2010-04-21T20:06:00.002-04:00

Run out to the newstands to buy the latest May issue of SHAPE South Africa. Why? Because Shaundra Hyre reveals all and you will be inspired by many of the other amazing womens success stories!

Shape has published my personal story about taking a time out from the fashion industry to become a Raw Food chef. How i gained weight being Raw and working hard to get my body and confidence back. I really couldnt have done it with out the support of my friends and family who loved me through it all.

These inspirational stories of amazing women who have overcome so much in their lives touch my heart so deeply. We can learn and find strength in each others struggles to know that we are not alone in this world. Thank you to Shape for publishing my story and giving me inspiration!

Sports Illustrated

2010-03-30T11:48:00.002-04:00

I just entered the South Africa Sports Illustrated New Model Search. The past year I've worked my ass off to get into the best shape I could for this contest! These gorgeous photos were taken by Justin Cleaver. Here is the link for you guys to vote for me if you think I'm HOT STUFF!!!!

Vote and make your friends vote!!!!!

It has been a dream of mine for a long time to be considered as a Sports Illustrated Model.

Can't you see me gracing those pages? :)

It would be such an honor to shoot for them! I would also use the opportunity as a platform to speak to women about health, nutrition, fitness and being a warrior!

FINISH LINE!!!!

2010-03-25T13:26:00.000-04:00

Yeah!!! I did it!!! I am proud to say that i finished the 20010 Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour in 5:21:06! Wow! What an amazing adventure!

The day started out with a howling South Easterly wind of 45km hour. Nothing like a challenge to start the race day off! The first 76km were pretty easy given that i was supplying my body with proper electolytes and nutritional supplementation. But just when it was 33km left to go the aches and pains started settling into my shoulders and back. Urgh, it was so painful! Its like that inner acid ache you cant get rid of. I think this was from all the carbo loading i had done following up to the race. Lesson learned the hard way as usual! I shed a few tears, said a prayer and channelled all of my energy into that finish line. The scenery did help to ease those pains!

It was such a stunning route and everyone was so friendly. There were thousands of people along the side of the route cheering us on and giving us support. It meant so much to me as im sure it did to everyone else partisipating to have their support to help us finish!

Once we reached Suikerbosse which was a climb no one was looking forward to. They had "Virign Active Angels" offering to help push you up the hill. There was an adorable little boy about the age of 12 who asked me if i wanted a push and i gratefully accepted. He was so strong and ran so fast! After the final push he asked me if i had any sweeties or chocolate for him! LOL! So cute!

Chapmans Peak was the toughest for me. I had done Suikerbosse enough that i was used to it but Chapmans incline i had never done. You turn the corner leading up to Chapmans and all you can see is sea of cyclists for miles going up a steep climb that looks like it goes on forever and dissapears into the mountain! Pretty daunting! I saw one guy get off of his bike mid climb up Chapmans and light up a cigarette!

There were quite a few people dressed up in costumes and had lots of fun dressing up for the event. I saw a lady bug, a clown, a chicken and docotors or nurses dressed in scrubs. And these silly super heros below celebrating after the race!
Was it challenging? Hell yes? Would i do it again? Hell yes! I reached the finish line, called my boyfriend and had a good cry and then ran straight for the medical tent where they were giving massages. Ahh sweet relief! I really learned a lot being a rookie and am so glad that i did it. Its opened my eyes up to a whole new world of challenges like this. I look forward to signing up for more events like this and seeing where this road will take me. Into uncharted territory......thats when im really living! Congratulations to everyone who finished the Cape Argus Cycle Tour and my prayers are with those who were injured. Keep livin, keep dreamin!

Supplies That Helped Me Survive!

2010-03-24T05:12:00.000-04:00

When doing Argus, one can not survive on sheer determination and will power alone. Proper nutrition is a vital part of this game if you want to make it to that finish line in good time!
Below are the most natural products i could find here at the Lifecycle Expo before the race. A company called Hammer Nutrition from the states who are Vegan friendly. I highly recommend these products for anyone who is racing, competing or does strenuous activites and needs to replenish the bodies recourses.

Their site has lots of really valuble informaiton on their products and also lots of knowledge on how to prepare and recover for races. I wish i would have looked at their site before Argus!

HEED (High Energy Electrolyte Drink) contains complex carbohydrates for long lasting energy and a full spectrum of chelated minerals replenishing the body with the proper electrolytes it needs. This product is not sugary at all it is sweetened with xylitol which is an organic compound taken from the fibers of many fruits and vegetables. I tried Strawberry, Orange and Lemon-lime. They were all tasty. When i ran out of my Heed i was forced to drink the distgusting sugar laden Powerade they were supplying at the rest stops and i could immediatley taste and feel the difference in my performance. I would get a sugar rush for about 10min and then crash immediatley afterwards feeling dehydrated. Stick to a clean sourse of Electrolytes, it makes a huge difference!

Hammer Gel A concentrated form of carbohydrate energy made with real fruit and amino acids. Studies have confirmed that oral ingestion of these amino acids:L-Alanine, L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-Valine raises blood levels proportionately, and migrate with ease to working muscles for fuel synthesis, tissue repair and sparing harmful muscle loss. Hammer Gel gives you the consistant energy your body needs when you are working out intensely with out a sugar crash because it is made from natural ingredients. I timed the consumption of my 2 Hammer Gels ( flavors Espresso and Banana....yummy!) precisely before the 2 hardest climbs of the race, Suikerbosse and Chapmans Peak. Wow! It really gave me the increse in energy and strength i needed to push up those tough climbs successfully with out a crash afterwards.
Hammer Bar An energy bar that is 70-90% Raw made from high Alkalizing protein, gluten free, easy to digest and tastes great! Can also help improve cardiovascular health, immunity, mental clarity and hormone balance. I tried flavors Almond Raisin and Cashew Coconut Chocolate Chip. They were both delicious but i prefered the Cashew Coconut Chocolate Chip....must be the chocolate lover in me! These bars are very clean and easy to digest. It gave me a meal in a bar that i needed to keep going to that finish line!

PERSONAL NOTE ON NUTRITION BEFORE RACE DAY:

I take great care of making sure that i feed my body with the proper nutrition and eat a very clean diet. I believe that food can be our medicine and in some cases is a culprite for diseases in the world. I stay away from processed foods and grains, consume lots of yummy organic fruits, greens (great source of protein), veggies and the occasional fish if my body is telling me it needs it.

So, days leading up to Argus i was asking for advise on how to prepare from experts in the field who do Marathons and Triathalons. Everyone was saying...."Carbo load, Carbo load, Carbo load!" Pasta's, Breads, Rice etc.

Instintually this didnt feel right to me because of what i know is in these foods and how my body reacts to them. These foods are processed and is hard for my body to digest and in some cases i get an allergic reaction to these foods. But because i am a newbie to this level of competing and i was afraid i wouldnt have enough energy to sustain me through the race i listened to the advise of these experts.

Boy! I wish i would have listened to that inner voice. I did carbo load and my stomach was sticking out like i was pregnant with a dead brick. When the race started i was burbing up all that carbo loading from all the acid and gas that was in my system! Fun! Half way through the race my body started aching with acid pains. I KNOW my body and i KNOW that it wasnt just from the intensity of the race because i trained really hard before hand and had basically done a 90k cylce to see how i would do before hand and i was fine.

So, my advise to all of you who think you should listen to experts in the field. Do what is right for your body. Take advise that resonates with you and use it but listen to your instincts and what you know is right for you. Everyone is different. Sticking to your regular eating habits before a race, getting proper rest, and CLEAN nutrition are the best things you can do for your body.

Vegan Protein Bars

2010-03-18T14:30:00.000-04:00

Ive been really excited to try and make a good Vegan Protein Bar for Argus.

After scowering the internet for healthy recipes on Protein Bars ive used a bit of mix and match mentality and have come up with one that is quite heavenly and delicious!

VEGAN PROTEIN BAR RECIPE

Yields: 20 decent sized bars

1 Ripe Mashed Banana

2 Scoops of Sun Warrior Protein (Brown Rice Raw Vegan Protein. I used Vanilla)

2 Tb Sun Warrior Sprouted Barley

1 1/2 C Muslei (or you can use oats)

1/2 C Almond Butter ( you can use any nut butter you choose)

1/2 C Honey

1/4 C Coconut Oil

1/2 C Shredded Coconut (chunky or fine)

1/2 C Tropical Mix (Guava, Mango, Banana) Dried Fruit Chopped into pieces

1/2 C Dried Pineapple (chopped into pieces)

2 Dried Figs (chopped)

1/4 C Raisin and Goji Berry mix

2 Tb Flax Seed

2 Tb Seed Mix ( Sunflower, Pumkin, Sesame)

1/4 C Almond Flakes

2 Tb Cacao Nibs

1/2 C Vegan Chocolate Chips

2 tsp Madagascar Vanilla Powder

2 tsp Vanilla Extract

2 tsp Cinnamon

1 Tupperware container lined with plastic wrap for pressing your mixture into or an 8x8 pan.

1 Large Mixing Bowl

NOTE: This is alot of ingredients. I was trying to get rid of things that i had in the pantry. You can definately play around and have fun with different mixtures. I actually found that less is more but since im an extremest i had to throw everything in :) These are very nutrient dense and some what of a powerful superfood!

DIRECTIONS ARE EASY! :

In a large mixing bowl mash your banana first.
Then throw in all the other ingredients. The order really doesnt matter. This recipe is a bit like a no bake cookie recipe.
Mix really well with a spatula until all ingredients are throroughly mixed and are sticking together.

WARNING!!!! Once you taste this mixture you are not going to want to keep your fingers out of that bowl!

Line your tupperware or pan with plastic wrap.
Spoon in the mixture and press firmly all around until you have covered the tupperware or pan about an inch thick.
Cover the top with plastic wrap or put your tupperware lid on and pop in the freezer for a couple of hours until they set.
Take those babies out of the freezer and set onto a cutting board like so.....

Mmmm! Sheer delightful nutritional goodness!!!!

Cut into squares or bars and there you have your healthy on the run Vegan Protein Bar
Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer........that is if you can refrain from eating them all!

Enjoy!!!

Move over....there's a new girl in town!

2010-03-05T14:34:00.000-05:00

Runners World just posted their photos from the out takes of our Cover sessions. Click on the link above to see whos gettin glossy with photographer Melody Deas! It was a great day of shooting. Nicci Rosenkowitz did an amazing job on hair and make up. The guys at the mag. were awesome to work with and opened my eyes to new challenges to take on while im here in South Africa. Like Editorial Director Jason Brown turned me on to British Military Fitness in Sea Point. A good kick in the ass, everyone could use and you cant beat the view right in front of the ocean! Editor Mike Finch is training for Epic!!! Crazy? Hell YES!!! But i really admire him for going for it!!! Good luck bru! Deputy Editor Allister Arendse has inspired me to join his 5:40 am Running team! Whew! Hard work keeping up with Marathon runners but i love every grueling minute of it!

Thanks guys for a great day of shooting and all the inspiration!!

RUNNERS WORLD

2010-03-05T03:30:00.000-05:00

~EXCITING NEWS~

I just shot a cover try for Runners World on Friday the 26th! We shot in a place called the Silver Mine Reserve here in Cape Town. They will be posting some out takes on their site. It was quite beautiful and of course a bit windy! Love those Cape town winds to keep the hair stylists on her toes! The shoot went really well and everyone was great to work with and talk shop about athletic stuff! So hopefully soon, i will have the honor of gracing the cover for Runners World. Once it happens i will let you all know and make an announcement! Work those glutes baby and keep on runnin!!!!

Sun Warrior Protein

2010-03-05T01:40:00.000-05:00

YEAH!!! At last a raw vegan protein powder with integrity and power for the Warrior in you!

Sun Warrior Protein is made from raw sprouted whole grain brown rice.

100% Organic
Temperature during processing never exceeds 90'F making this a completly raw product, the first of its kind!
Created with a low temperature natural enzyme process that does not use ANY chemicals or acid hydrolysis like most proteins do!
Perfectly balanced Amino Acid profile
Highest ration of Amino Acids coverted to proteins
98% Correlation to mothers milk! Suck on that one baby!
98.2% Digestion efficiency, giving it the highest digestablility and efficiency ratings of ANY other protein source
The World Health Organization may be using Sun Warrior Protein in the future to feed malnourished individuals because of the non hypoallergenic profile and superior absorption that it has shown to have.
There is currently a clinical trial which shows promise that Sun warrior Protein aids in the absorption of vitamins in AIDS patients.
There has been a direct correlation between the use of Sun Warrior Protein and the absorption of vitamins in Aids patients where other proteins do not provide such synergistic affects during the intake.
Weight Loss-Clinical studies in Japan have showed that by providing Rice Protein as a staple in a diet, that it can be used as a weight control vehicle. Especially, because of the superior absorption rates.
Diabetes- There are Clinical Studies going on right now which show that because of the balanced nutritional profile of rice, it helps to actually maintain the diabetic affects of sugars, which could be used in diabetic products to help control insulin levels.
Cholesterol-Clinical studies have shown promise that Sun Warrior has cholesterol lowering potential and the USDA is currently using Sun Warrior in trials to see if it. it may help control high blood pressure.

Check out their website http://www.sunwarrior.com/ for more information, facts, nutritionl values and recipes for this amazing product. If you are going to buy some of this power packed protein, I recommend using the Vanilla. It will act as a good base. You can always add raw cacao powder if you want a chocolate version or greens, fruit, nut butters etc.

Natural & Organic

2010-02-21T09:27:00.000-05:00

Wow! What a stimulating day! Put me in a building full of hippies who love the earth, are trying to help preserve it, people who care about our health and well being who make incredable natural products and im in heaven!

The Natural & Organic Products Exhibition was really amazing! I heard so many beautiful stories about healing and tasted so many yummy foods and learned so much about this industry that is growing so rapidly. It is really awesome to see!

I will give you some of my favorites and highlights from the day.

SIBERIAN PINE NUT OIL

A digestive aid that stimulates cells to reproduce rapidly
Triple-unsaturated fatty acid found exclusively in pine nut oil
Unique source of Antioxidants
High concentrate of Carotenoids
Packed with Vitamin E
Anti inflammitory, protecting the gastric and duodenal mucosa
Stimulating the duodenal release of Chilecystokinin (CCK) which is vitally beneficial for digetstion
Asssists with hypertention, blood sugar and cholesterol levels
Metabolism and immunity booster promoting health and vitality
Contains high concentrates of EFA, Omega 3 and 6 which stimulate the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria
Vitamins A, B1, B2 7 B3
Magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus and iodine

The woman who was working at the booth told me her incredable story of how it helped heal her. She had said that she was on a list of pankillers for cancer of the lymph nodes which made her sick, no energy, no appetite and she was withering away with tumors on her neck. She found Siberian Pine Nut Oil and began taking it 3xs a day as a healing tonic and is complety free of cancer and tumors thanks to this amazing product!

You should be able to find this product at the Wellness Warhouse on Kloof street at that lovely little Healthfood store by Woolworths. If not try http://www.theotheroption.co.za/

WILD FOODS

A company that produces high quality wild food products while being directly involved with rural communities in the sustainable management of their recources and promote fair trade practices with these rural communities. Check out their website. They have some reallly interesting Wild Foods. One that i tried was the Marula Nut.

Marula is a common and wide spread indigenous fruit bearing tree thruoughout much of the sub- Sahara Africa. Local people in the Northern part of Botswana plant this tree in their homesteads. It is a multipurpose tree whose fruits are eaten fresh, juiced it contains 4x's more vitamin C than an orange or they fermented the fruit to make a beer, the nuts are eaten or extracted for their oil which is very rich in antioxidants and EFA'S, protein and minerals. Live stock feast upon the leaves for nutrition. The leaves and bark also contain medicinal uses. The wood of the tree is used to make many implements for living. All of these things making the Marula tree essential for sustaining life in Botswana and other African countries where it is grown indigeniously .

Mmmm that nut that i tasted was so soft it just melted in your mouth. Wild Foods makes these really delicious chocolate Roasted Marula Nut Clusters that are chopped up marula nuts with chocolate. Divine!

If you are interested in trying some of these Wild Foods or would like to know where to find them email: wildfoods@orangemail.co.bw

SOARING FREE SUPERFOODS

One stop shop for all of your Super Power needs! Soaring Free Superfoods is an awesome company dedicated to bringing high vibration foods from ancient cultures around the world that provide maximum energy and healing. Peter and Beryn, founders of the company are the authorities on Raw Food in Cape Town and also do Raw food catering and chefing classes. Check out their website for more information and to also buy their new beautiful book.....Rawlicious! Yumm yumm. Amazing recipes!

What are Super Foods?

They are the most concentrated mineral and nutrient dense organic foods on the planet with nutrients in their natural form, easily absorbable and usable by the body. Thus making you feel like a Super Hero!

Here are some of the Super Foods that they carry: Goji Berries * Cacao Powder *Cacao Nibs*Hemp Protein Powder*Cacao Butter*Maca*Spirulina*Baobab Fruit Powder*Camu Camu*Yacon Syrup

You can find Soaring Free Superfoods at the Wellness Warehouse. So, go run out and buy some of these amazing Super Food ingredients and add them to your smoothie recipe to feel like a Super Hero! Cheers to your health!

Cape Argus Cycle Tour

2010-02-21T08:06:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen....I am proud to announce that i will be cycling in the Cape Argus Cycle Tour! This is one of the most saught after and revereed cycle tours because of the incredable scenic route along the Western Cape. Absolutely stunning! It is 109km long! Yeah baby, you read that right! Ive been training long and hard hours every week and my times are improving considerably and i am hoping to beat Lance Armstrong and leaving him in a trail of my dust by making it to the finish line in 4hours and 30min. Tune in for more updates and progress as D day gets closer....... March 14th.

Comin at cha from Cape Town, South Africa!

2010-02-21T07:15:00.000-05:00

I am learning so much about Momma Africa and all she has to offer. Here i am in Chapmans Peak on a photo shoot. One of those days where it doesnt feel like work! I am so blessed to be able to work in this kind of enviornment, to see, experience and connect with the amazing beauty of nature and to meet new and different people everyday. If you havent been to South Africa before......book your ticket NOW! Everyone must experience this beautiful land once in their life!

I will share some of my experiences since ive been here below.